Branford Marsalis

A musician considered “the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist” will bring his quartet to Fort Smith to kick off Season of Entertainment 37 at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

 

Branford Marsalis will perform an evening of jazz at the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center in the Fort Smith Convention Center, located at 55 S. 7th Street. Tickets are $32 to $35, depending on seating location.

 

A Louisiana native, Marsalis has performed jazz and classical music for nearly 40 years and has released more than 30 albums, most recently “Upward Spiral.” Additionally, he has performed with the Grateful Dead, The Tonight Show Band with Jay Leno, and the Dave Matthews Band, among other associated acts.

 

The Las Vegas Sun called him “the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist,” and The New York Times said he brought “a gracious poise and supple tone … and an insouciant swagger” to his performances with the New York Philharmonic.

 

Stacey Jones, associated vice chancellor for campus and community events at UAFS, said Marsalis’ performance would start this year’s Season of Entertainment in style.

 

“I can’t think of a better performer to start off our season this year. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a more electrifying and versatile musician grace the stage in Fort Smith,” Jones said. “Branford Marsalis is sure to light up the stage, and it will be a performance that jazz lovers won’t want to miss.”

 

The concert is part of Season of Entertainment 37, a yearlong lineup of entertainment sponsored by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith featuring a variety of plays, musicals and symphonic performances.

 

For tickets or to find out more information, visit UAFS ticket website or contact the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300.

 

About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, affordable tuition rates, and a diverse on-campus culture allow UAFS students to fully explore their areas of interest in ways that prepare them for post-graduate success academically, professionally, and personally. To find out what makes UAFS just right for you, go to www.uafs.edu.